Playground is the magazine that dares to explore, question, and re-envision the creative industries. Through thought-provoking essays, reports, and bold, honest conversations, it’s where curiosity meets play and inspiration. Packed full of smart insights and egoless advice, Playground is a must-read for those working in, or curious about, Europe’s vibrant creative and cultural sectors.

About Issue 3

The third 112-page issue of Playground explores the creative industries through the lens of freedom, bringing together over 40 creatives and contributors to collaborate on a topic that extends far beyond the creative world. As more creatives choose to work independently and break free from rigid structures, it’s clear there’s a drive to escape rules, hierarchies, mistrust, and dishonesty. It felt like a conversation that needed more airtime. 

As a concept, freedom is personal and means something different to everyone. In this issue, we examine it from multiple angles:

A special report featuring insights from creatives in over 30 countries, uncovering emerging trends and perspectives on what freedom means to them.

An exploration of satire as escapism and alternatives to social media.

The contrast of play and freedom and how rules can sometimes enhance creativity.

Different states of freedom.

Conversations with inspiring creatives: Alex Holder on bookshops and financial transparency, Yuri Suzuki on sound and interactive art, and Ola Mirecka on creativity both independently and within corporations. 

And there’s more! Dive into a ‘creative quickie’, where some of our favourite creatives share past project failures, tips for rediscovering play, cultural recommendations, curated design objects, and more.